Gordon Schildenfeld will replace the 25 year old Lovren in Croatia’s squad. Schildenfeld plays for Panathinaikos on loan from Dynamo Moscow. He has 21 appearances for the national side. The 29 year old played in all three Croatian matches at UEFA Euro 2012.

Liverpool have been unlucky with injuries, especially those coming in the international break. Last time out, Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Emre Can suffered knocks and all three have still not made their comebacks.

Lovren has so far been criticized for his under-par performances at the back but he has been an integral part of Brendan Rodgers’ lineup and is certainly a big blow for the Reds. Mamadou Sakho is currently out with a hamstring injury. The French international comeback date is still unknown but in all probability, he will be back by the end of the international break. Jon Flanagan is another miss from the back.

The Reds next game is in the Premier League at QPR on 19 October and three days later they host Real Madrid in the Champions League.